[2][3] In addition, the Standing Rules of the Senate confer jurisdiction to the Senate Judiciary Committee in certain areas, such as considering proposed constitutional amendments and legislation related to federal criminal law, human rights law, immigration, intellectual property, antitrust law, and internet privacy.

Its broad legislative jurisdiction has assured its primary role as a forum for the public discussion of social and constitutional issues.

The committee is also responsible for oversight of key activities of the executive branch, and is responsible for the initial stages of the confirmation process of all judicial nominations for the federal judiciary.

[5] The committee considers presidential nominations for positions in the DOJ—including the Attorney-General and the Director of the FBI—, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the State Justice Institute, and certain positions in the Department of Commerce and DHS.

On January 2, 2018, Al Franken, who had been a member of the committee, resigned from the Senate following accusations of sexual misconduct.